BTS Went To Mexico, Met With The President And Caused A Standstill After 50,000 Fans Showed Up
In less than five hours from Sheinbaum’s announcement, more than 50,000 people filled the town square.
More than 50,000 Mexican fans flooded Mexico City's main plaza to greet South Korea’s K-pop boy band group BTS after Mexico’s president unexpectedly announced a public meet-and-greet.
The visit comes after BTS caused a stir in Mexico in January, when their concert tickets sold out in minutes, prompting Mexico’s first woman president Claudia Sheinbaum to formally write to South Korea’s president to request more BTS concerts in Mexico.
On Thursday, May 6, ahead of BTS’ three-day concert in Mexico City, Sheinbaum announced during her morning briefing that South Korea’s president had replied, saying he would try to connect her with the BTS team, adding that he was glad a Korean group had found success among Mexican people.
Sheinbaum then revealed that BTS would arrive at Mexico’s National Palace and wave at fans from one of the balconies overlooking the main square, commonly known as El Zócalo.
“If their fans…if a lot of people come, since we announced it, we can open one of the balconies on the side, so they can greet them,” Sheinbaum said during the press conference.
In less than five hours from Sheinbaum’s announcement, more than 50,000 people filled the town square and videos showed fans singing their songs and fan chants.
“Unfortunately, we won't be able to attend the concert, so we did everything we could to come today," a BTS fan told local news.
At 5pm, BTS stepped onto the balcony to greet the crowd, with some members immediately pulling out their phones to capture the scene.
“Thank you for having us. And we can’t wait for tomorrow’s concert and stage,” BTS leader RM told the crowd.
BTS member V then delivered a short speech in Spanish, appearing to be encouraged by his bandmates.
“I don’t speak Spanish too well, but I will try,” V said. “Did you miss us? We miss Mexico way more. The energy here is incredible. Thank you so much for admiring us so much.”
Jung Kook, Jin and J-hope also spoke to say a short farewell before the group returned inside after around seven minutes on the balcony.
Sheinbaum presented BTS with a commemorative plaque that recognized the group’s power of inspiring “Mexican youth through music and contributed to the formation of a community based on a culture of respect, empathy, diversity, and peace.”
BTS made their comeback in March with their album “ARIRANG” after South Korea’s mandatory military service forced them to take a four-year hiatus.
The group will be on a world tour until March 2027.
Sofia Hou
Flavie Chen
